Together with the L'Autre Cercle, an NGO which works for the well-being of LGBT+ individuals in the professional environment, since 2015 when we became the first bank to sign their LGBT+ Commitment Charter, the Group has been totally committed in the fight against all forms of discrimination and exclusion.
We are particularly proud that on 30 September, during the "LGBT+ and Allies Role Models" ceremony organised by l'Autre Cercle, five of our colleagues featured amongst the laureates. The Role Model Awards ceremony, which exists since 2019, honors LGBT+ people and their allies who, through their journey and values, promote a more inclusive work environment and bring visibility to LGBT+ individuals.
On 6 October, we also celebrated the 10th anniversary of BNP Paribas Pride France, our internal employee network which plays a key role in promoting an inclusive work environment through concrete initiatives, and to highlight the essential role that diversity plays within BNP Paribas.
This network actively promotes gender equality, inclusion, and the protection of our LGBT+ colleagues.
During the ceremony, Thierry Laborde - Deputy CEO of BNP Paribas and Head of CPBS, Sofia Merlo, Director of Human Resources and Member of the Executive Committee, Anne Pointet - Director of Corporate Commitment and Member of the Executive Committee, Caroline Courtin - Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion and the members of the Pride network, retraced ten years of commitment, concrete actions and collective mobilisation.
Looking ahead, through a series of conferences and roundtables, we also heard how the BNP Paribas Pride network and the Group will continue to act on behalf of the LGBT+ community with the same determination, the same commitment, and the same pride.
The evening concluded with another important milestone: the renewal of our commitment to L'Autre Cercle, marked by the re-signing of the Charter by Sofia Merlo, Director of Human Resources and Member of the Executive Committee.
By signing this charter, the group commits to:
- Create an inclusive environment for LGBT+ employees
- Ensure equal rights and treatment for all, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
- Supporting members of staff who fall victim of discriminatory remarks or acts
- Measure the progress made and share best practices to evolve the working environment as a whole
This commitment fully aligns with the Group's Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy. Beyond our numerous actions, it relies on solid governance – enshrined in the Group's Code de Conduite, our Commitment Manifesto, and our World Agreement signed in November 2024 – in terms of respect for people.It also shines externally, through the actions of the BNP Paribas Foundation, or the actions carried out with our clients, such as the True Name card from Nickel, an example of recognition and respect for the identity of each person.
Our networks and partners
The Pride network exists today in nearly 30 countries, bringing together more than 4,500 members. Its development follows a clear and long-term strategy, making it a great source of pride and satisfaction for us.
L’Autre Cercle is an association whose mission is to support companies in their diversity and inclusion efforts, encourage and foster actions that guarantee the rights of LGBT+ individuals thus contribute to changing mindsets within organisations.